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James Beard’s Tomato Pie

Pies are supposedly the next dessert trend - what do you think? For me, I like a good pie. Fruit pie, cream pie, custard pie, there's so many out there but most would probably think of something sweet first, right? I know I do. However, when my friend Cathy prepared and brought this James Beard’s Tomato Pie to share at a recent get together, I've opened up to savory pies. Sure, there's always savory quiches but this was different. Made with a buttermilk biscuit crust, layers of fresh basil and tomatoes are topped with cheese and mayonnaise before baking to perfection. Stick with me here, especially those who are anti-mayo! This is a savory pie I'm still craving days later. Yes, it's that good!...
So you have biscuits, tomato, mayo and cheese. Just as is, it's pretty delicious. But when I make this, I'll be adding some crumbled bacon and serving this with a tossed green salad. Then it's just like a bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwich in pie form! (With the lettuce as part of the salad, that is.) The recipe is ridiculously easy and since it's from Ruth Reichl, former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, you know it's going to be amazing...

I love this pie, but I make a few changes. First, I use a premade crust. Brush it with egg white before baking and it won't get soggy from the tomatoes. Next, I slice the tomatoes, salt them and place over a cooling rack over my sink to get rid of some of the water in the tomatoes. In addition to the tomatoes and basil, I add a layer of sliced spring onions (green parts also). My topping is a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a cup of shredded mozzerella cheese mixed with a cup of mayonnaise. It is sooooooo yummy!! I would probably love yours also but I am definitely "dough challenged".

This recipe was outstanding. A very easy dough to make and the rest of the recipe is simple as pie! Will make again and again. Got rave reviews. I first read this recipe in Ruth Reichl's book "A Kitchen Year" and again on this site. Hd to make it, it sounded so good....and it was!